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: a family standing with a safe room and workers

What Does A Safe Room Inspection Cover?

Safe rooms are installed with a promise to provide protection. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the safe room you’ve installed fulfills its purpose. After installing a safe room, an inspection is held to ensure that it is safe and ready to use.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we make sure that all the safe rooms we deliver and install comply with FEMA guidelines. All our safe rooms also go through a rigorous Texas Tech Impact Test to check the durability and structural integrity of our products.

A typical safe room inspection includes the following procedures.

Measurements

All the safe rooms are thoroughly inspected, keeping specific measurements for different components in mind. The doors have to be 36 inches thick for maximum security and protection. The steel floor of the safe room has to be secured with anchor bolts. Anchor bolts are heavy fasteners used to attach the safe rooms to the concrete. These bolts have to be 5 inches long and 3/4 inches wide every 12 inches.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a very important factor to consider when it comes to safe rooms. According to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), 15 cubic feet per person per minute is the minimum air exchange recommended. Engineers check all the ventilation systems installed in the safe room to make sure this requirement is met.

Space Allocation

We provide custom-built safe rooms, which means that we are aware of how many occupants will use the safe room. It is then designed accordingly, allocating space according to the FEMA guidelines for each person. For occupants in a wheelchair, 10 square feet per person is the designated space inside the safe room. This requirement increases to 30 square feet per person for a bed-ridden person. According to the client’s requirements, the inspection team will ensure that all these requirements are met.

Control Panel

a concrete safe room

 

The control panel is tested to make sure it’s functioning effectively. Our engineers and technicians make sure they test the system extensively and run it numerous times to check its efficiency. Once our team is satisfied with the system’s performance, it is approved.

Get in touch with us if you’d like to install a safe room in your house or office. We also provide Underground bunkers in OKC, concrete storm shelters Oklahoma, and underground bunkers.

 

 

 


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a tornado and lightning hitting an open field

What Natural Disasters Can Safe Rooms Protect You From?

Natural disasters can be catastrophic and cause irreparable destruction. However, there are certainly some measures you can take to protect yourself and your family from the wrath of nature.

Investing in safe rooms is one measure that allows you to reduce the harmful effects of a natural disaster. It is meant to provide a safe place during a natural disaster.

Here’s an overview of how safe rooms can provide protection from natural disasters.

Tornadoes

If built according to FEMA‘s guidelines, a safe room can provide near-absolute protection from natural disasters like tornadoes. Popular belief is that underground safe rooms provide more safety than safe rooms built above the ground, but this isn’t necessarily correct. A safe room can be safe above or under the ground, provided it has been built according to the guidelines specified by FEMA. According to State Impact Oklahoma, a safe room can withstand an EF5-type tornado regardless of the typo.

Hurricanes

a hurricane building up

 

Hurricanes are much bigger and stronger than tornadoes. Nevertheless, safe rooms can offer protection even through hurricanes. Your location and geographic factors determine the positioning of the safe room on your premises. For example, if you live in an area that floods often, an underground safe room may not be the best choice. Most people prefer a safe room inside the house over a concrete shelter built outside because it is safer and quicker to access.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are one of the deadliest natural disasters. According to Redcross, the first thing to do in case of an earthquake is to ‘drop, cover and hold.’ The purpose of this action is to protect yourself from collapsing objects. In an indoor space, a safe room is the safest option to stay safe in case of an earthquake. It can be a secure space for you to go take cover and hold on until the earthquake subsides.

Safe rooms can be very useful in ensuring protection from natural disasters. If you’re looking for a safe rooms oklahoma, feel free to get in touch with us, and we will be pleased to serve you.

We also provide tornado shelters, Underground Cement Shelters OK, and underground bunkers.


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An above-ground storm shelter made from steel

The Advantages Of Installing Above-Ground Storm Shelters

Are you hoping to upgrade your underground cement shelter? It might be worthwhile to consider above-ground storm shelters instead of underground bunkers and safe rooms, but you should always consult a specialist before making the final decision.

Here’s why we recommend above-ground storm shelters to residents of Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and other areas.

1. Faster Installation

Above-ground storm shelters are considerably quick to install when compared with underground storm shelters or bunkers. That’s because the preparation time for underground safe rooms is significantly longer, as the ground has to be dug up, and a foundation for the shelter needs to be laid.

2. Movable

Because they aren’t installed underground, moving an above-ground storm shelter from one area to another is also relatively easier. Since getting a storm shelter can be expensive, we recommend that you invest in an above-ground safe room if you want the option to move away from your current place of residence.

3. Easier To Locate

If you’ve been sitting in an underground storm shelter to ride out a hurricane or tornado, it might take a while for the authorities to find you. But an above-ground storm shelter can be seen for miles out, making it easier to locate, which is particularly useful when trying to get out of an unsafe situation.

Two above-ground storm shelters made of steel.

4. Resist Flooding

Unlike underground shelters, above-ground safe rooms aren’t at risk of flooding in the same ways. This means that above-ground storm shelters do not require the same kind of flood-proofing, meaning that you might save some money with the above-ground shelter.

5. Wheelchair Accessibility

Finally, it’s significantly easier for people with disabilities to enter an above-ground storm shelters as opposed to an underground one. For people on wheelchairs and walkers, this is good news because now you don’t have to struggle going down a flight of stairs and instead can secure yourself inside the shelter a lot faster.

Need a professional’s opinion on what sort of storm shelter will suit you and your family the best? Schedule a consultation with our safe rooms oklahoma technicians, who’ll visit your property to examine the space and suggest possible solutions.

Our safe rooms come in steel and concrete, so give us a call if you have any questions about either.

 

 


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A custom-built concrete safe room by Oklahoma Shelters

Do Safe Rooms Offer More Protection Than Underground Shelters?

Are you a homeowner in Norman or Oklahoma City? You’ve probably encountered a few tornado warnings by now, which we understand can be quite anxiety-inducing for many residents. Given the climate of Oklahoma and nearby states, safe rooms and underground shelters are common additions for residential and commercial facilities.

But which of the two is safer? Find out in this contrast of safe rooms vs. underground shelters.

Safe Rooms

In the United States, safe rooms are designed to offer maximum protection against violent winds and storms while adhering to FEMA’s guidelines on constructing safe rooms. These are either made of concrete or steel, have heavy-duty doors, and can be built with insulation to regulate temperature.

Safe rooms are also useful in times of nuclear disasters, as their construction is done using materials that make it impenetrable, even for radioactive waste. However, all these features make safe rooms significantly more expensive to install.

Oklahoma Shelters offers steel and concrete safe rooms that can hold anywhere between 4 to 2 people, depending on the size you request. Connect with us for a free consultation on your property.

The inside of a concrete underground bunker with a ladder.

Underground Shelters

Unlike safe rooms, underground shelters and bunkers follow the guidelines of the ICC, specifically their NSSA 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. They are typically built within existing structures like garages or basements using lighter metals for quicker installation and fitting. However, lighter metals make for relatively-less safe shelters and lack temperature regulation as they aren’t usually insulated.

At Oklahoma Shelters, you’ll find both underground garage shelters and underground concrete or steel bunkers that follow the guidelines highlighted by relevant authorities. And what’s more, is that we use strong materials to make each for maximum protection against storms.

Still unsure about which safety mechanism is better for your home? You’ve got no reason to worry because Oklahoma Shelters can quickly assess your property and make recommendations accordingly. Call us at 405-367-7901 or leave an email at sales@sm.dev-version.com to get in touch.

All our safe rooms and underground shelters come with warranties, so you can rest assured knowing you’ve made a value-laden investment. For more information on our facilities and installation processes, read through our FAQ section.

 


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A bunker and safe room installed side by side

How To Get A Free Quote For A Shelter

Given that storm shelter installations can be costly, getting any kind of discount can be a huge help. So, it’s completely understandable for you to be on the lookout for a service provider that not only has great products but can also give you a free quote for your shelter.

Here at Oklahoma Shelters, you’ll find an extensive variety of bunkers, shelters, and safe rooms to add to your homes or commercial properties at unmatched rates. Our shelters are built to protect families and communities from all sorts of disasters – natural or otherwise.

To get a free quote for shelter installation, here’s what you’ve got to do:

Decide On Shelter Type

The first thing you need to do is figure out which type of shelter you’d like installed. But don’t worry if you are struggling to pick one. To help you decide, we have an extensive collection of underground bunkers, underground garage shelters, safe rooms, and concrete storm shelters that you can choose from.

You can read about all of these directly on our website or inquire about them via email at sales@sm.dev-version.com.

Fill In Your Details

Next, you’ll need to go over to our website and locate the page where you can apply to get a free quote. For your ease, our website has a separate tab on free quotes, where we’ll need your name, contact details, and your preferred shelter or safe room type.

You can also leave additional notes on the form as well. Use this to list down any concerns you might have so that our experts can address them when they communicate with you.

Talk To Our Specialists

Finally, you should expect a call from one of our specialists, who will discuss your options and concerns, and then ask you if you’d like to schedule an on-site visit. This will help our team to give you a precise quote and will also allow you to address any other queries you might have had since your last conversation.

An excited elderly man on call while looking ahead at a laptop

Call Us Today!

Not sure whether an Underground Cement Shelters OK would work for your property? Or is our variety in garage shelters OKC confusing you? We get it; it’s a big decision. So why make it alone? Get in touch with our specialists today by calling on 405-367-7901.

You’ll be met by an expert on the other line who’ll ask you a few questions about your home layout and proceed to ask you for your details to confirm a visit to your property. Once the visit is done, you’ll soon be provided with a free quote for a shelter or safe room, depending on what you end up choosing.


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A tornado forming on a body of water.

Norman Homeowners: Considering the Pros and Cons of Installing a Safe Room

A safe room is an enclosed, reinforced space in a house that serves as a refuge in a tornado, intruder, or other emergencies. This FEMA-approved, windowless room will keep you and your loved ones safe from harm in the event of a catastrophic event.

In a nutshell, safe rooms serve their intended purpose while also ensuring the safety of their occupants. This is why we offer secure storm shelters to Norman residents, so they always have a safe haven in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophes.

The following are some pros and cons of installing a safe room in your home.

Pros

· Protection From Extreme Weather Conditions

Tornadoes and hurricanes are two natural calamities that can cause widespread destruction. Tornadoes and hurricanes are not uncommon occurrences in Oklahoma and Texas. As a result of the high winds and flying debris, many people are hurt or killed. Some people try to take shelter in bathrooms or basements, but these areas are not designed to resist the force of water or high winds.

In the event of such catastrophic weather, the concrete storm shelter becomes invaluable. As storm shelter experts in Norman, we construct shelters built to withstand the harshest weather conditions and reduce the likelihood of injury or property damage in the case of a tornado, hurricane, or other natural catastrophes.

· Provides Security

As a homeowner, you are always at risk of being the victim of a house invasion or other acts of criminality, regardless of how secure your community may be. Things can turn bad at any time.

Having a safe space to go to helps protect you and your loved ones from possible threats. No intruder will be able to enter the underground bunker even if they know the location of your safe room.

· Keeps Your Belongings Safe

We all have valuables at home that we would do anything to protect. The best place to keep them is in a secure location. Having a safe room installed in your home will protect your valuables from both the elements and the risk of theft by being stored in a climate-controlled environment.

· Increases Property Value

Living in a tornado-prone area necessitates the need for a safe house.  Adding a safe room to your home will make it more appealing to potential buyers and boost its resale price. The buyer’s attention will be piqued by the extra space, which provides a feeling of security.

If you’re considering relocating or upgrading your current home, you might want to order a storm shelter for your Norman home.

Cons

· Costly To Build

The expense of building a storm shelter may be the only potential drawback. Depending on your preferences, constructing a safe room can be an expensive project. The price of building a safe room is relative to its size and location. Plus, the safe room cost can vary widely depending on the materials utilized to construct it.

A car damaged by a fallen tree.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we want to ensure you obtain the finest shelter for your needs and budget; therefore, we provide free shelter quotations and onsite consultations. We have garage shelters, above-ground storm shelters, concrete storm shelters, underground cement shelters, and more.

Contact our specialists today!


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A woman standing in front of a glass window.

How to Prevent Being Trapped Inside Your Emergency Shelter

Storm shelters in Oklahoma City are a crucial safe haven because they can resist the worst of what a tornado can dish out, including the winds and any flying debris. While it’s important to take shelter indoors during a storm, it’s equally essential to plan for your safety after the storm has passed.

We’ve gone through the indications of a tornado, how to prepare for one, and what to do if you’re caught in one. Every one of storm safe shelters in Oklahoma is equipped with safety latches and emergency exits, but accidents can happen. You must make sure that you’ve thought of everything.

As soon as your shelter is set up or as tornado season approaches, it is imperative that you take the following precautions:

Keep A Spare Jack On Hand

If you become trapped inside, the door of some shelters can be pried open using a jack. You can use the jack to pry open a door or latch that isn’t opening on its own or lift heavy objects obstructing the path.

Test The Emergency Exit Latch

Get inside the shelter with a friend or family member waiting outside, and try using the emergency exit. It is best to test the emergency escape at the time of installation to ensure everything is functioning properly.

If you already have a safe room, you can test it immediately or ask our professionals about any safety features you might need assistance with.

Get Your Shelter Listed With Rescue Organizations And Local Authorities

Oklahoma City is one of the many municipalities that have implemented registration programs for crisis preparation. If you register your safe room with rescue organizations, they will be able to find you quickly in the event of a tornado or any other natural calamity.

If you become trapped in your shelter, certain rescue organizations offer free services and may be able to help you get out.

Share The Shelter’s Location With Close Friends And Family

As important as it is to register your storm shelter with the proper authorities, it is as important to let your loved ones know where it is, especially if it is in a less obvious place like a basement or closet.

If search-and-rescue teams can’t find you, your loved ones may be able to.

A 4'x6' safe room.

All our storm shelters are FEMA-approved and come with a 10-year warranty against leaks and corrosion.

If you have any questions or concerns concerning our storm shelters, whether they be underground bunkers, concrete storm shelters, or garage shelters, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re eager to be of assistance in any way we can.


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A concrete storm shelter in Oklahoma City

Guidelines for Keeping Your Storm Shelter Clean and Well-Maintained

Since Oklahoma is a particularly tornado-prone state, many of its residents have the privilege—need to be more specific—of owning their own personal storm shelter. However, there are several challenges to dealing with the upkeep of any storm shelter, be it a garage shelter or an underground bunker.

Even though Oklahoma Shelters provides shelters with a 10-year warranty against leaks and corrosion and are designed to provide the utmost protection, you should still clean them regularly to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

When cleaning your shelter before and after a storm, it’s important to remember the following.

Get Rid of Any Extra Clutter or Items

Many people make use of their shelters as off-season storage areas. Although tornadoes can occur at any time of year, they are more prevalent in the spring, so this is not a major concern. However, you shouldn’t put off cleaning out your shelter until spring or the storm season.

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it’s a good idea to clean your storm shelter a few weeks before the season begins. We recommend avoiding storing anything huge or heavy in case you need to move it quickly.

Upgrade Your Safety And Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, every homeowner should prepare an emergency kit, including a full complement of first-aid supplies, nonperishable food items, and water. However, it’s crucial to replenish supplies of food and medicine before they expire (if they haven’t already been donated).

Again, this is not something you want to do in the middle of tornado season. Get ready ahead of time so you can act quickly and confidently when the moment comes.

Clean the Inside of the Storm Shelter

When you haven’t visited your storm shelter for a while, other critters may have taken up residence there. Remove any spider webs, dust, dirt, branches, leaves, or other debris that may have made its way inside.

It’s also important to keep the vents clean to ensure proper ventilation and prevent any injuries that could occur from contaminated air. Make sure to protect yourself with masks and gloves if you do any cleanup after a storm.

Get rid of any germs lurking around and give the place a fresh start by disinfecting the surfaces. This will aid in eliminating any germs or bacteria that may have taken up residence.

Clear The Area Of Any Obstructions

People often leave their cars parked directly in front of the door to their garage shelters or underground bunkers, so it’s best to plan ahead and move them. Park them so you can still get in and out of your shelter, and remove anything else blocking the doorway.

Cars parked above a garage shelter.

Order a storm shelter in Oklahoma City immediately if you don’t already have one. Tornadoes may strike anywhere at any moment, so it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your protection and the safety of those you care about.

We’re experts in building any safe room, from garage shelters to complex underground bunkers, concrete storm shelters, and more. Contact our team today to get one installed in your home.


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Tornadoes-How Hazardous Are They, Really?

Tornadoes are terrible, and each one that causes devastation seems just as bad as the last. With the Fujita Tornado Damage Scale, the level of destruction caused by each tornado that makes landfall can be determined. Those living in Tornado Alley spend more time investigating the actual storm causing damage to our houses than we contemplate the meaning of the various tornado warning levels.

In this blog, we’ll examine the various degrees to which tornadoes can cause damage in Oklahoma. We hope that this information will help locals prepare for the next tornado season.

The Severity of Tornado Damage

F0

This is the lowest level on the scale, with winds ranging from 40 to 72 mph and minor damage. Damage to structures is limited to the roofs and chimneys, and while some trees may have lost branches, they will still be primarily undamaged and able to withstand the storm.

F1

The 73–112 mph winds accompanying events of this scale are sufficient to cause noticeable but manageable destruction. This notch will damage more roofs and residences with shaky foundations.

F2

Wind speeds of this class of tornado range from 113 to 157 mph, and they can severely damage structures. House roofs can be entirely ripped out, and residences with unstable foundations can be completely destroyed. Moreover, trees can be snapped in half or uprooted.

F3

Damage at this level is rather severe since winds at this speed range from 158 to 206 mph. When a tornado of this strength hits, nearly every home will suffer considerable destruction. No matter how sturdy their foundation or construction, houses will have their roofs and walls blown completely off by the winds.

F4

The 207–260 mph winds at this level are what make a tornado of this intensity so destructive. There is complete damage to homes, uprooting of structures with weak foundations, and vehicular destruction as automobiles are hurled at great distances. The tornado’s impact may generate up to three thousand vertical feet of debris, and these winds have been known to strike down many times, increasing the initial destruction.

F5

Extreme tornadoes like this one can pack winds of between 261 and 318 mph. The storm’s winds can completely or partially blow away numerous houses. The winds are so powerful at this point that even the tallest skyscrapers and office buildings are utterly demolished and torn apart. The destruction brought on by these tornadoes is unparalleled.

Tornadoes are always a threat; no matter how extensive the destruction, your and your loved ones’ safety must be your top priority. Despite a storm’s severity, Oklahoma Shelters has worked diligently to establish a level of safety and security that can be counted on.

Contact our experts if you want the finest possible safety for your house, and we’ll design a storm shelter specifically for you. Our range includes concrete storm shelters OKC, in-ground Storm Shelter Expert OKC, safe rooms, garage shelters, and more.

Contact us immediately to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.


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A tornado in an open field

What Safety Measures Should You Take During a Tornado?

Locals in Oklahoma are well aware of how challenging the state’s severe weather season can be. The uncertainty it causes all year long means that Oklahomans must be ready for storm season as soon as it arrives. With a total of 28, the number of tornadoes that struck Oklahoma in October 2021 was the highest recorded for a single month.

 

A variety of extreme weather phenomena, including gale-force winds, hail, torrential downpours, and flooding, can cause damage to properties and businesses. When people aren’t ready for storms and don’t take precautions to protect themselves and their families, the resulting property damage can be devastating financially.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma residents caught outside during a storm have limited options for safe shelter. Nonetheless, you can take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

The following are some of the most effective techniques to get ready for Oklahoma’s tornado season:

1. Plan Ahead

Planning is essential in these serious situations. In the event of severe weather, preparation is key. It is of paramount importance that you and your loved ones be secure first and foremost; everything else follows afterward. If you don’t already have one, you should install a tornado storm shelter in your house.

2. Be Prepared With An Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit on hand can be helpful in the event of an unexpected storm. Include supplies such as a first aid kit, water, food, energy bars, a flashlight, spare batteries, and additional clothing in your emergency bag. It’s also important to show your children how to put together a storm survival pack in case you cannot be there yourself. Make sure everybody in the house is familiar with the procedure.

3. Maintain A Well-Stocked Emergency Shelter

Locals often build underground or in-ground storm shelters to protect themselves from the state’s frequent and severe thunderstorms. Have all the essentials on hand and ready to go in your garage shelter or underground bunker. Things like first aid kits, blankets, extra clothes, food, water, snacks, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, power banks, and pet supplies (if you have any) can all come in handy.

4. Be Prepared

It’s crucial that you remember this advice. The possibility of a tornado occurring should always be at the back of your mind. Educate yourself about various kinds of natural calamities that usually strike Oklahoma. Watch for weather updates and warnings about tornadoes. The news you read on social media may not be reliable, but you can always double-check with the authorities. Maintain current insurance coverage if you currently have any.

 

A tornado in an open field

Oklahoma Shelters Provides The Necessary Safety For All!

Can’t decide if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions before the storm hits? Have you been wondering what else you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones? Contact Oklahoma Shelters. We’re here to safeguard people in the event of devastating tornadoes,. With our FEMA-compliant shelters and safe rooms, you and your loved ones can stay safe from dangerous storms and tornadoes.

We have many kinds of shelters available, including concrete storm shelters Oklahoma, garage shelters OKC, in-ground storm shelters, safe rooms, and more.

Reach out to us for further information!


Storm Shelters

Underground Slope Top Shelter

Concrete Shelter

Underground Garage Shelter

Garage Shelter

Installing Steel Safe Room

Steel Safe Room

Underground Bunker

Underground Bunker

 

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